Is LIFT Academy the Right Flight School for You?

You’ve chosen to learn how to fly. Yet even with this initial decision complete, you’re looking for answers to countless questions. The most important decision, and often the most difficult, is choosing a flight school. Here’s what you need to know about LIFT Academy to help make that decision easier

LOCATION

One of the first things to think about is location. Look for a school that’s close to home or where you’d like to call home. Additionally, a school that provides an environment with varied terrain and weather is essential to the success of your aviation journey. LIFT Academy currently offers five distinct location opportunities:

Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus, Indiana

Located at the Indianapolis International Airport, LIFT Academy’s Indianapolis facility is the program headquarters. LIFT Academy was founded by Republic Airways Holding Inc., which is also headquartered in Indianapolis. Since opening in 2018, aviation students have successfully completed flight training and have gone on to start their noteworthy careers at Republic Airways and other mainline carriers. There’s something rewarding about training in the heart of Indiana. LIFT Academy now also has a campus in Columbus, Indiana, in collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With our South Carolina location, students can take advantage of oceanside scenery and ideal flying conditions. Opened in 2023, LIFT Academy’s Myrtle Beach, South Carolina campus offers the same full-flight training program with Diamond aircraft, just in a new terrain. Plus, with the warmer temperatures, less finicky winter months, and overall more consistent weather, Myrtle Beach allows you to fly year-round.

Galveston, Texas

LIFT Academy opened its newest campus in Galveston, Texas, in December 2023. Just like the programs offered in Indianapolis and Myrtle Beach, LIFT Academy’s Galveston location is equipped with Diamond aircraft and experienced instructors, so you get premier flight training. What sets Galveston apart is its beautiful waterside venue that cusps the Gulf of Mexico — and guarantees you the excitement of living near Houston, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing cities.

Tuskegee, Alabama

LIFT Academy recently announced an upcoming partnership with Tuskegee University. Scheduled to open in late 2024, the collaboration combines LIFT Academy training with academic coursework at Tuskegee University. Flight training will be held at the historic Moton Field, where the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, or “Red Tails,” trained.

TECHNOLOGY

Modern-Day Aircraft Training

LIFT Academy offers the latest technology to students. From the beginning, LIFT students initiate training on Aviation Advanced Training Devices from Diamond Simulation and Frasca International. Plus, devices such as Vertex Solutions immerse students in the virtual reality curriculum. Our fleet of Diamond Aircraft provides in-flight training — preparing students to handle the most advanced aircraft around once they begin their piloting careers.

Simulators

Many of these aircraft simulators feature 180-degree wraparound visual displays, a full cockpit with working canopy, authentic Garmin G1000 avionics packages, and accurate control loading. The “muscle memory” that pilots develop in these simulators can be easily applied to their flight lessons in the aircraft. These Flight Simulation Training Devices allow students to achieve realistic, real-world experience via a simulation environment — making it an easy transition from training to flight deck.

Technological Benefits

The technological benefits at LIFT Academy don’t end with the type of aircraft or simulator. All LIFT aircraft use the Garmin G1000 suite. This program provides pilots with flight-critical information from weather to terrain and traffic, and more. All LIFT students receive their own Apple iPad and Apple Pencil in their LIFT Kit to aid them in the classroom setting. They are also provided with a Bose A20 Aviation headset — noise reduction technology made specifically for pilots.

FLEET BY THE NUMBERS

LIFT Academy students train in a fleet of 60+ Diamond trainer aircraft. This includes the DA40 single-engine and DA42 twin-engine aircraft. Using these aircraft introduces eco-friendly training technologies and systems to commercial aviation training. According to Diamond Aircraft, their Austro Engine burns about 50% less fuel at equal power and produces less exhaust. Thanks to the high-definition display screens, models like the Diamond DA40 enhance situational awareness of pilots by providing key data — including maps, navigation, and engine information — at your fingertips. This makes the technology offered at LIFT Academy a standout among competitors.

DIRECTION

At LIFT Academy, we don’t just teach you how to fly. We help you turn flying into a career.

Path to First Officer

After completing your initial training at LIFT Academy, you can follow two pathways to earn the flight hours and become a First Officer.

The Republic Airways Career Pathway Program

You can continue your time at LIFT as a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) training other LIFT Academy students. You’ll earn money while continuing to build your flight hours. Once you have logged the FAA-mandated 1,500 hours plus all other requirements, you have a defined pathway to Republic as a First Officer.

Cape Air Partnership

Through our partnership, you can fly as a First Officer and then as a Captain for Cape Air, earning your flight hours while taking passengers to Cape Air destinations. If you choose this pathway, you will also have a defined pathway to Republic Airways as a First Officer once you meet all requirements.

College Partnership Program

While training to become a pilot, are you also looking to earn a college degree with your flight ratings? LIFT has partnered with several colleges to help you earn that degree and have a defined pathway to a pilot job at Republic.

PATH TO CAPTAIN

Our support doesn’t end once you’ve reached the right seat. You’ll soon find yourself in the left seat as Captain through LIFT and Republic Airways.

The Republic 5-Year Commitment

After you complete your training and flight hours, you have a fast-tracked pathway to Republic Airways. This means you can commit to five years as a Republic Pilot with an increasing salary every year, all while enjoying the benefits of the world’s largest all-Embraer 170/175 fleet, efficient training programs in our new training facility, and much more. Republic Airways Pilots also have the opportunity to move to mainline carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

If you’re ready to start your aviation journey at a place fit for you, visit flywithlift.com to learn more.